Fluid logic components



Oct. 22, 1963 R. w. WARREN EFAL FLUID LOGIC COMPONENTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 17, 1961 0 EDS EDS CWM CWM mwf c ML L V 2, mm wwm mw v 808 SOS 0 m. b mw p y JM w Y A fl 5. J u 2 U 0ct.'22, 1963 R. w. WARREN ETAL FLUID LOGIC COMPONENTS Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

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Oct. 22, 1963 R. w. WARREN EIAL 3, 7,

' FLUID LOGIC COMPONENTS Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Has 9 Q 6 9 /05 mvsmons Raymond W. Warren Filed March 17, 1961 R. W. WARREN ET AL FLUID LOGIC COMPONENTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS Raymond 144 Women BY Bi/ly M. Hor/on Xfl Alida, aaflflmgzsrzyw Oct. 22, 1963 R. w. WARREN' arm.

I FLUID LOGIC COMPONENTS Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 g I S g 34 35a H6. 8 1' g 20 I98 /68 I86 I58 mvmoxs Raymond W Warren Bi/[y M. Harlan 1.} PM BY a-jfi hx, 12-; MM.

United States Patent Ave, Mole u. Va

1 i Morton, 9712 riensington Faraway,

gtou,

Filed l tar. 17, 1%1, Ser. N $6,623

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment to us of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to pure fluid logic components capable of performing logic functions without moving parts.

Electronic logic components capable of performing the basic arithmetic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are conventional in the computer art. Such networks typically include AND-NOT and OR-NO? components which, when properl combined, accomplish the desired logic function or the counter or computer.

AND and (DR circuits or components, such as vacuum tubes, are capable of producing an output signal which is a prescribed function of the input signal. binary counters only two quantities or values are utilized in computing. These two values are designated 1 and G, depending upon whether the input or output signal is present or absent, or whether input or output sig l has a higher or lower level than the other. The twovalue basis is generally used in binary counters because the electronic logic components and circuits employed usually have but two states.

This invention is concerned with the AND-NOT, JR, and OR-NOR functions of iluid logic elements. in binary counters an AND function signifies a type of circuit whereby the output signal has a value of 1 only when both input signals are present, that is, when both input signals have Value 1.

A NOT function in a binary counter system signifies a type of circuit which produces an output signal or" value 1 when the input signal does not have a value, that is, when the value of the input signal is =3.

NOT 1 in the two-value system would have the value of while NOT 0- would have the value of 3, because signal were not 0 the only other value it would be 1.

An OR component serves to indicate tiat the output value is 1 if either of the input values is l. The Gil function also includes the case where both of the input values are l. The NSF. function refers to the case wherein neither input signal has a value of 1.

Electronic computers can, of course, speedily perform all types of arithmetic functions. However, is desii able that computing in general not be wholly dependent upon limited to elec onic systems, their components and power supplies. While mechanical systems employing liquids and gases have been developed which will perform functions somewhat analogous to those performed by existing electronic logic elements, such systerns require large numb rs of moving parts. Moving mechanical parts produce severe operating limitations because of friction, thermal expansion and wear. Also, mechanical systems are limited in some applications be cause of the weight and inertia of the moving parts. The response time or" mechanical computers is quite long. Long response times result in low speeds of computing.

In assemblin" logic elements to provide adders, subtractors, multipliers and dividers in any kind of a computer, it is often necessary to stac; and combine the various logic components. Vi hen the signal passes it the input could have 3,lil7,85ll

through a series of such components, however, there are power losses, causing the amplitude of the output signal to decrease. Thus, in an electronic computer, voltage and current amplification is required in order to perform complex operations. Achieving a power gain in a fluid computer has in the past required moving parts. These moving cause such computers to be slow in operation. Thus, there existed a need in the fiuid computer art for achieving a power gain without moving parts so that the fluid computer elements could be stacked into complex arrangements and combinations and still function with a low response time.

It was discovered recently that a fluid-operated system having no moving parts could be constructed so as to provide a fiuid amplifier in w 'ch the proportion of the total energy of a fiuid stream delivered to an output orifice or utilization device is controlled by a further fiuid stream of lesser total energ. These systems are generally referred to as pure fluid amplifiers, since no moving parts are required for their functioning.

The fluid amplifier may be one which utilizes streaminteraction, or the amplifier may utilize boundary layer control. The following description is an aid in understanding some of the control principles involved in these two categories of fluid dynamic control systems.

In a stream interaction system, a first nozzle is supplied pressurized fluid and thereby issues a first jet, the power stream. A second jet, a control stream, supplied by a second nozzle, is directed against the side of the first jet to impinge ag inst and deflec the first jet away from the second jet. If there is no splash or bounce of the fiuid streams, momentum is conserved and the first jet will flow at an angle with respect to its original direction where'm the tangent of this angle is a function of the momentum of the second jet and the original momentum of the first jet. Thus, it is possible to direct a high power jet to a receiving aperture system using a lower power second jet. This constitutes an amplifier in the conventional sense, since it gives a power gain. When two or more control streams are used, impinging streams of the same total pressure level can be given different weighting 0 levels of effectiveness by varying the relative cros-- 21 a as of the first and second nozzles. This weight can also be varied by varying the velocity, density or ion or" the cont ol streams.

in wall inter". ion control fluid amplifiers, a first jet s a receiving aperture system by the s ution in tire first-jet wall region. This ssure distribution is controlled by the wall configura- C eraction chamber, the first-jet energy level,

A no. or are the fluid transport characteristics, the back-loading of the ampliner outputs, and the flow of second-jet to the firstjet wall region. V rereas side walls are not essential for a stream interacti *1 type fiuid amplifier, a wall interaction control fluid amplifier generally uses side walls for aiding in the deflection of the first jet. In a wall interaction control fluid amplifier, special design of the interaction chamber provides an ampliier wherein the first jet will loci: onto one side wall and remain in the lockedon flow configuration without fiuid flow from the second nozzle.

As the fluid stream issues from the first jet, it entrains d in the jet interaction chamber. As fluid is entrained and removed by the first jet, the pressure along one chamber wall reduces. The particular Wall along which the reduced pressure region occurs will depend upon the position of one chamber wall relative to the orifice of the first jet. When one chamber wall is positioned slightly closer to the orifice than the other, the pressure on the side of the fluid stream closest to the one chamber wall will be lower than on the side of the stream towards the other chamber wall because of the fact that the 3 process of removing entrained fluid is more effective with respect to the one chamber wall than with respect to the other wall. As the pressure between the fluid stream and the one chamber wall decreases, the fluid stream moves closer towards that one chamber'wall, and this movement produces a still further reduction in pressure as a result of entraining fluid between the wall and the stream. In Wall interaction amplifiers, the fluid stream bends until it looks onto the one chamber wall and remains locked on until disturbed by additional fluid entering between the one chamber Wall and the fluid stream.

The fluid amplifiers utilized in the components of the present invention control the delivery of energy of a first stream of fluid to an outlet orifice or utilization device by means of a second fluid flow issuing from a second nozzle generally at right angles to the first jet. The proportion of the relatively high energy main stream delivered to an orifice may be varied as a linear or nonlinear function of the relatively low energy of the stream interacting therewith. Since the energy controlled is larger than the controlling energy, an energy gain is realized. Such amplifiers require no moving parts and consequently have a response time considerably lower than prior art fluid systems which must employ moving parts.

The fluid logic components of this invention utilize the amplifying and quick-response capabilities of these fluid amplifiers. All parts comprising the logic components can remain stationary during operation thereof and only the fluid employed as the Working fluid in the components moves.

Broadly, therefore, it is an object of this invention to.

provide a fluid system capable of performing logic functions with fluid streams.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a system utilizing interacting fluid streams to perform logic functions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a fluid system for performing logic functions with fluid streams Whichare guided in part by wall interaction effects.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system for performing logic functions with fluid streams wherein the system achieves a power gain during operation.

An important object of this invention is to provide a fluid system for performing logic functions in which there 7 are no moving parts.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in combination a fluid amplifier for amplifying a plurality of fluid signals supplied thereto and a fluid directing means for preventing a certain type of signal from issuing from the amplifier when there is an absence of the re- -quired number of fluid input signals.

Yet another object is to provide an arrangement of two or more fluid logic components such that three or more fluid input signals can be detected and computed.

The specific nature of the invention, as well as other objects, uses, and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an AND-NOT fluid logic component constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 1A is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of another embodiment of an AND-NOT fluid logic component constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another. embodiment of an.

. the component to provide a desired output signal. The

ceive fluid from these apertures.

term output signa used herein is the fluid signal which is produced by the fluid logic component. The'inplit and output signals can be in the form of time or spatial variations in pressure, density, flow velocity, mass flow rage, fluid composition, transport properties, or other thermodynamic properties of the input fluid individually or in combination thereof. The term fluid as used herein includes compressible as well as incompressible fluids, fluid mixtures and fluid combinations.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, AND-NOT fluid logic component 10 is composed of three flat plates 11, 12 and 13 secured together by screws 14 or other suitable means. For purposes of illustnation, these plates are shown as composed of a clear plastic, although it will be evident that other materials, such as metal, may also be used.

Center plate 12 is cut in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 in order to provide a pair of input nozzles 16 and 18, a jet interaction chamber 23, apertures 24, 25 and 27. Input tubes 15 and 20 are threadedly secured in plate '13 and communicate with nozzles 16 and 18, respectively, and with sources of fluid input signals (not shown).

Nozzles 16 and 18 constitute the input nozzles of component 10 and communicate with jet interaction chamber 23 through orifices 17 and 19. The particular shape of orifices 17 and 19 is not critical and any conventional shape will sufice. Channel 27 is opposite orifice 19 so that unless the fluid stream issuing from input nozzle 18 is deflected by fluid issuing from input nozzle 16, this fluid will flow into channel 27 and spill out of component 10.

Chamber 23 is provided with chamber walls 36 and 37 which are set back so far from orifice 17 that the fluid issuing from this orifice will not lock onto either chamber wall. Deflection of the fluid streams from nozzles 16 and 18 is therefore achieved by stream interaction of two jets from nozzles 16 and 18. Divider 26 is capable of splitting fluid flow from chamber 23 into either aperture 24 or 2.5. Orifice 17 is asymmetrically"positioned with respect'to the apex of divider 26, as can be seen in FIG. 1, so that in the absence of a jet from nozzle 13 fluid issuing from nozzle 16 enters aperture 25.

Output tubes 34 and 35 are threadedly held in plate 13 and communicate with apertures 24 and 25 so as to re- These tubes may be connected to suitable floW'utiliz-ation devices or with other devices such as fluid operated computers which utilize the AND-NOT function of component 10. Fluid issuing from tube 34 provides an output AND signal,

whereas fluid issuing from tube 35 provides an output NOT signal.

'The AND function is achieved in component 10 because both input nozzles 16 and 18 must simultaneously receive an input signal of some predetermined magnitude before tube 34 will issue fluid. Since amplification is achieved, one input signal may have a considerably lower energy level than the other. Should the energy level of theinput signal from nozzle '18 be too low to deflect the jet from nozzle 16 into aperture 24, the fluid jet issuing from nozzle 16 will enter aperture 25 and flow out NOT tube 35. In the absence of a fluid input signal from nozzle 16 the jet from nozzle 18 will spill out of component It by flowing through channel 27. 7

Thus flow from NOT tube 35 indicates that there are asozseo not two input si nals of some predetermined energy level present at the same time in tubes and Ztl. Only when the jet from nozzle is d iectcd by an input signal of suflicient magnitude from nozzle 18 will the AND tube 35 receive enough fluid to indicate that there are present two simultaneous input signals having some predetermined level of energy.

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of an AND-NOT fluid logic component in this embodiment, the tube spillout aperture is eliminated and a curved section of chamber wall M32 is substituted therefor. all other rcspects, the component is the same as component shown in FIGS. 1 and lA, and thus all parts have been designated "by the same numerals. The elimination of the spill-out aperture can be effected since, in the absence of a deflecting jet from nozzle 15, the jet from nozzle 13 will impinge upon and be deflected by the curved shape of wall section As a result, the stream enters aperture and issues from tube 35 as a NUT signal. It will be evident that only when a fluid jet of some predetermined relationship of magnitude is simultaneously issuing from nozzles 16 and 18 will aperture 2 receive fluid flow. The chamber walls 36 and 3'7 are so far set back that the deflection of the streams in chamber 23 is solely by interaction of the intersecting streams from the input nozzles.

FIG. 3 illustrates another AND NOT fluid logic component 163 which utilizes wall interaction rather than mutual stream interaction to function. In this component, wall lock-on is utilized to achieve the AllD-NOT function. Component consists of two input nozzles 163 and 133 and associated input tubes 353 and 2423 which feed fluid input signals into respective input nozzles. Orifices 173 and are formed by nozzles and 183, respectively, and communicate with jet interaction chamber Apertures 243, 253 and 273 also communicate with chain er 233, as shown. Output tubes 343 and 353 communicate with apertures and 2553. Tubes 343 and 353 are the AND and NOT on ut tubes, respectively, of component 1%.

As the fluid stream issues from nozzle 163, it will entrain fluid in chamber 233. The fluid stream from nozzle 163 may be positioned closer to wall 373 than to wall 363, for example, by positioning nozzle res substantially closer to wall 373, inclining nozzle 163 toward wall 373, or by having oriiice H3 slightly to the left of the tip of -ivider as viewed in FIG. 3. Or, orifice 4/ 3.), 173 may be aligned with the apex of divider as shown), since wall is set back far enough from oriflce 173 to prevent wall locloon from occurring. As fluid issues from nozzle orifice 173 because wall 373 is closer to the stream than wall .363, the fluid will tend to evacuate the area between it and wall 375 faster it evacuates the area bet. een itself and wall :.us the pressure on the side or the fluid stream toward wall 373 will be lower on the side of the fluid stream toward wall This difference in pressure causes the J83. fluid jet from nozzle to move toward wall 373 and the movement towards this wall causes a further reduction in pressure on the side of the fluid stream toward that wall. The stream bends until it locks onto this surface. The setback of wall 373 enhances the differential pressure eflect. Fluid from nozzle will never lock onto wall because of the considerable setback of wall 363 from orifice 173.

In order to insure that the fluid flowing along wall 373 remains locked onto wall 375, wall can be provided with sharp change of slope. The sharp changes of slope may take the form of a curved book 39 Fluid vortices are created within the curved wall formed by the curved book as fluid passes over hook 393. Vortices so created rotate as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3 and aid in maintaining the reduced pressure between the wall 373 and the fluid stream flowing thereovcr. As the pressure in the region between the fluid stream and wall 373 decreases, the tendency of the fluid stream to remain locked onto wall 3725 increases, as will be apparent. Consequently, in the absence of an input signal from nozzle 133 the jet from 173 flows along wall 373 into aperture 253 and out NOT tube 353.

chamber at the same tim or substantially the same time.

Component is provided with two nozzles 164 and J34 which communicate with jet interaction chamber 234 by means of orifices 174 and 194, respectively. The walls 364 and 37d of chamber 234 are set back so far from orifice 174 that fluid issuing from nozzle 164 will not lock onto either chamber and the deflection of the fluid from that nozzle results from stream interaction only. Divider 25 i is positioned slightly to the right of orifice 174 so that in the absence of a vacuum in tube and nozzle 18d fluid issuing from nozzle 16d enters aperture and, hence, NOT tube 354.

Unly where there 's a substantially simultaneous vacuum across orifice of sulficient magnitude to deflect the fluid stream from 17 liinto aperture 244 will AND tube 344 issue a signal. Thus, component 1534 requires a positive input signal in tube and a vacuum signal in tube 2 before the proper AND signal will issue from the component.

Component 1 -5 (PEG. 5) consists of three input nozz es 235 and and associated input tubes 155, 295 and which feed fluid input signals into respective input Orifices 1'75, 195 and 396 are formed by nozzles and respectively, and communicate with jet interaction chamber 235. Apertures 245 and 255 also communicate with jet interaction chamber 235, as shown. Output tubes 3%5 and communicate with apertures and 255. Porous plugs (not shown) may be inserted into tubes 5 5 and 355, it" necessary, to provide proper lcloading of the AND-NOT component.

As the fluid stream tissues from nozzle it will entrain fluid in chamber 235'. The fluid stream from nozzle E65 may be po itioned closer to wall 375 than to Wall for example, by positioning nozzle substantially closer to wall inclining nozzle 165 toward that wall, or by having orifice slightly to the left of the apex of divider 2-35, as viewed in the figure. Or, orifice To may be positioned to the 'cht of the tip of divider .5, since wall 3'75 is set been rar enough from orifice 5 to prevent boundary layer loch-on from occurring. n accordance with any of the foregoing orifice and the wall positions or configurations, the pressure on the side of the fluid stream toward 'wall will be lower than on the side of the fluid stream toward wall 365. This difference in pressure causes the fluid jet from nozzle to move toward wall 375 and the movement towards this wall causes a further reduction in pressure on the side of the fluid stream toward that wall. The stream bends until finally it locks onto this surface. uid from nozzle will not lock onto wall 355 because this wall is set back for enough from orifice 175 o prevent boundary layer lock-on from occurring.

As the pressure in the boundary layer between the flui stream and the wall 325 decreases, the tendency of the fluid stream to remain locked onto that wall increases, as will be apparent. Consequently, in the absence of an input signal from nozzle 135, the stream from nozzle 165 flows along wall 375 into aperture 255 and out NOT tube 355.

If tube 155 does not receive a fluid signal while tube is receiving such a signal, the jet from nozzle 135 enters aperture 275 and spills out this aperture since 7 wall 375 is set back too far from orifice 1% to provide a surface upon which the stream can lock onto.

lFluid flowing into tube 2435 issues as a jet from orifice 195. This jet supplies fluid to the boundary layer between wall 375 and the fluid stream from nozzle 165. Sufiicient fluid must be supplied to the boundary layer to raise the pressure therein until the differential in pressure is no longer sufiicient to hold the stream onto wall 375. As the magnitude of the input signal increases, the stream from nozzle 165 will be deflected tothe right of chamber 235. Thus, the stream issuing from nozzle i155 will switch from aperture 255 into aperture 245 in the absence of flow from nozzle S95. Nozzle 395 is positioned to deflect the fluid stream into aperture 255 if tube 397 receives fluid. tube 397 will fluid issue from tube 355.

FIG. 6 illustrates a stacked arrangement of AND-NOT components of the type shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6A, AND-NOT component 106 consists of three plates 11a, t12a and 13a secured together by screws 14a. Only plate 12a is cut into the configuration shown in this figure. Tubes 15a, 20a, 20b, Zfic, 35a, 35b, 35c and 34c are threadedly fixed in plate 13a and communicate with their respective nozzles or apertures.

The basic AND-NOT components, designated by numerals a and 10b, differ from the component 10 described and illustrated in FIG. 1 only in that the AND tube is directly connected to one of the input nozzles of another component. Like numerals in FIGS. 1 and 5 refer to like elements. NOT tubes 35a, 35b and 350 will receive a fluid output signal when there is an absence of four input signals. Output tube 340 will issue an output signal when all four input signals of sufficient magnitude are received substantially simultaneously by component 104.

The operation of component 106 can be described as follows: If tubes a and 28a simultaneously receive a fluid input signal, nozzles 16a and lfia will convert the signal into jets which issue from orifices 17a and 19a. Impingement of the jet stream from orifice 19a upon the jet from 17a will deflect both streams into aperture 24a and ultimately into nozzle 16b where the fluid will issue as a jet from orifice 17b. If, at the time the jet issues from orifice 17b, a fluid signal is received by tube Ziib such that nozzle 18b can deflect the fluid from nozzle 16b into aperture 24b, nozzle 160 will receive fluid and issue it as a jet from orifice 170. Should there be a simultaneous issurance of fluid from orifice 190 as a result of tube 2flc and nozzle 15-30 all receiving input signals, the combined streams will flow into aperture 240 and issue as an output AND signal from tube 34c.

Should there be an absence of an'input signal in tube a, 2% or 290, the asymmetric position of divider 26a, 2612 or 260 will cause fluid issuing from either nozzle 16a, 16b or 160 to enter aperture a, 25b or 250, respectively. Since an output signal from tube 35a, 35b or 350 indicates that there is an absence of an input signal in one of the component stages, it will be apparent'to the utilization device that such a condition exists. Also, should there be an absence of an input signal from nozzle 16a, 16b or 16c, mutual stream impingement will not occur and aperture 27a, 27 b or 270 will receive the fluid signal from nozzle 13a, 18b or 180, respectively.

The logic produced by component 166 is summarized as follows: A fluid signal issues from tube 35a when a signal is applied to tube 15:! and not to tube 18a, from 27a when fluid signals are supplied to 18:1, not 15a; from 35b when an input signal is supplied to 15a and 13a but not 18b; from 35c when 15a, 18a and 18b but not 13c receives fluid; from 270 when 18c receives fluid but not 15a, 18a or 18b; and from 340 when 15a, 18a, 18b and 18c receive fluid input signals The AND-NOT components 102, 103, 104 or 195 may also be arranged and connected in the same manner.

Thus, only if there is no flow into to maintain boundary layer lock-on.

The number of components in cascade will depend upon the number of input signals which are to be detected.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an OR-NOR fluid logic component 107. As can be seen from that figure, component 107 is similar to the AND-NOT fluid logic component 10 illustrated in FIG. 1,'with the exception of the absence of spill-out aperture 27, and by the addition of nozzle 60 having an orifice 61 and an input tube 62. Divider 267 is asymmetrically located with respect'to orifice 177 formed by nozzle 167 so that flow from orifice 1'77 enters tube 257 in the absence of other signals. Input nozzle 187, having an orifice 197 communicating with interaction chamber 237, and input nozzle 6% having an orifice 61 which communicates with the interaction chamber, are positioned at substantially right angles to input nozzle 167. Tube 357 and tube 347 provide respective NOR and OR indicating output tubes.

Chamber 237 is designed so that the nozzles communicating therewith provide fluid amplification by stream interaction. If continuous NOR signal is desired or required, orifice 177 must issue a stream continuously. If neither input tube 62 nor 207 receives an input signal, aperture 257 will receive fluid issuing from nozzle 167 because of the asymmetrical position of divider 267. Such fluid will provide a NOR output signal from tube 357. Should either or both input tubes 62 and 207 receive fluid input signals, the total fluid flow will enter aperture 247 and issue as an OR output signal from tube 347. Thus, the OR indication occurs only when either tube 62 or 297, or both, issue fluid input signals.

It is not essential that there also be an input to nozzle 167 to receive an OR output signal. By merely directing fluid so that nozzles 60 and 187 direct fluid flow into one aperture 247, there will be an OR output signal when either nozzle 69 or 247 issues fluid. Flow can be directed into OR aperture 247 by curvingwall 367, as

shown, so that fluid from these nozzles will be deflected into aperture 247.

Fluid component 167 may also act as a fluid inhibitor capable of performing functions analogous to conventional electrical inhibitor circuits. The inhibitor function can be accomplished by merely providing an additional nozzle, such as nozzle 264, in chamber wall 237. Input tube 267 supplies fluid to nozzle 264- so that the jet issuing from that nozzle can deflect by stream interaction fluid entering aperture 247 into aperture 257. Fluidwill only enter aperture 24-7 when. either tube 207 :or 62 receives fluid, but not when tube 267 receives such a pulse. It will be apparent that by merely adding nozzle and tube connections to one side or the other of chamber 237, either output tube 347 or 357 can be made to receive fluid as a result of the occurrence or lack of occurrence of any number of input fluid signals supplied to the component.

FIG. Sillustrates another possible embodiment of an OR-NOR fluid logic component 1%. This component is similar to component 1&3 illustrated in FIG. 3, and differs in that an additional control nozzle 618 and a passage 36? are provided.

Component 188 operates on the boundary layer control principle, since the chamber wall 378 is set back only slightly or has no setback and is provided with a curved Wall portion 388 which develops a fluid vortex tending In operation, fluid will continuously issue from nozzle 178 as will be understood. In the absence of a fluid input signal supplied to either input tubes 2% or'628, all of the fluid flow from orifice 178 will lock onto wall 378 as a result of boundary layer lock-on, enter aperture'25t5 and flow from output tube 358, giving a NOR signal that neither input tube nor 628 is flowing. Should either input tube 2th; or input tube 623 receive a fluid signal which will issue as a jet' from orifices 1% or 618, and if nozzle 168 is simultaneously issuing fluid from input tube 158, the boundary layer condition existing between wall 378 and the fluid stream from nozzle 163 will be disturbed. If the jet from either of the nozzles 6% or 135; has sufiicient magnitude, it will eliminate the boundary layer lock-on allowing the stream to leave wall enter aperture 24-3 and issue as an OR signal from output tube 348, indicating that either input tube or 623 has received input signals of at least some predetermined magnitude. Obviously, if both input tubes and receive fluid signals at the same time, the stream will also be deflected into aperture When signal inputs from tubes 268 and 628 are removed, the stream would tend to remain issuing from aperture 243 if it were held to wall 368 by boundary layer lock-on. However, since passage 3559 allows fluid to enter between the fluid stream and wall 363, it is not possible for the stream to lower pressure in this region. A boundary layer lock-on con .r, therefore, cannot be established and the stream, in the absence of control signals, tends to issue along the center line or" the nozzle. It then evacuates the region between the stream and wall 378 by entrainment. The lowered pressure developed by entrainment causes the stream to be deflected against wall 378, as previously explained.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fluid logic component 1&9 which consists of a cascade of two fluid logic components of the type shown in FIG. 7. These components are re ferred to by numerals 1167a and liflb and are connected together by merely extending aperture 247a into nozzle 16'), as shown. It will be evident that component It operates by stream interaction because the chamber walls are set back a considerable distance from the input orifice 177a and 155713.

in operation, orifice 3.770 flows continuously. Output tube 357a will receive a NOR fluid signal if neither input tube or 62 a receives fluid signals which can be converted into fluid jets by the nozzle shape. if either input tube 2 37a or 62a receives a fluid signal substantially simultaneously with a fluid signal received by tube 157a, deflection of the fluid stream will occur so that the stream enters aperture 247a and flows into nozzle 1671). Thus, nozzle 16727 will receive a fluid signal from component 16 7a only it signals are received by input tube 27a or 62a. Similarly, tube 547/) will issue a fluid signal only if input tube Zil'lb or 62b receives a fluid signal at the same time that the fluid is issuing from nozzle 1671'). If neither input tube as!) or 297!) receives such a signal, tube 35% will receive the fluid from nozzle limb.

Consequentl fluid uing from tube eo/b indicates that fluid has been received by eith r tube 625: or 2370, but not by input tube 62b or 2&7/5. A fluid signal issuing from tube 34% indicates that a fluid 'uput signal has b en received by either tube Ztiia or 62.4 and NEE tube 257/) NOR it will be evident that the various CR components shown in IG. 8 may be substituted for the components shown in F 7.

logic from component is summariz d as follows: An output 5 al will issue from tube 3- in when input signals are received by tubes or and Zio'ib or 62b; from 35719 when fluid signals are received by 297a or 62a nor 2237!; nor 62b; and from 357a when fluid signals are received by 157a nor 23% nor 62a.

It will be evident that while a pa; of input nozzles are shown in jrrtaposition, the number of such nozzles employed will depend upon the number of input signals which are to be detected, as well as the t or" logic which must be performed. By suitably pos ning nozzles the walls of the chamber of each component, the existence or presence of any number of conditions or events which will produce a fluid pulse sir computed. Also, the various ANDl-lOi,

fluid logic components disclosed herein may be connected in any combination to efifect the desired logic function.

Preferably, the fluid logic components of this invention should be designed so that a definite output signal is produccd only when the input signals applied to the component are of some predetermined energy level. This will permit the component to either provide a definite output signal or none at all, dependin upon the existence or absence of input signals of at least some preestablished magnitude. The particular energy levels involved or required will depend upon the particular design of the component, as will be evident to those skilled in the art.

It will also be evident to those in the art that deflecting walls, such as wall 3592 in component 162, may be used in components of the boundary layer type. The vacuum signal can be also utilized in either type of amplifier to eflect shifting or deflection of the fluid stream.

i /e claim as our invention:

1. A fluid logic component for performing an AND or NOT function comprising, a pair of nozzles adapted to issue fluid input signals as fluid streams or the like, a pair of tubes positioned to receive fluid from said nozzles, each of said nozzles being positioned for deflecting the streams of fluid from the other nozzle of said pair, one tube of said pair being positioned to receive the fluid stream from one nozzle of said pair in the absence of a deflecting fluid stream from the other nozzle, the other tube being positioned to receive the fluid stream which results from deflection of fluid streams issuing from both nozzles, and means preventing fluid from said other nozzle from entering said other tube of said pair in the absence of a deflecting fluid stream from said one nozzle.

2. The invention as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tube of a second fluid logic component is connected to said .1. A fluid logic component for performing an AND or NOT logic function comprising, a fluid amplifier for amplifying a fluid input signal applied thereto, said fluid amplifier including first and second input means, said first and second input means being perpendicularly disposed, first second jet issuing means, said first input means being connected to said first jet issuing means and said second input means being connected to said second jet fluid issuing means, a common chamber into which said jets are directed, first, second, and third output means, said first output means being positioned to receive said first jet stream when said second jet stream is inoperative, second output means to receive said second jet when said first jet means is inoperative, and third output means positioned to receive the jet stream caused by the simultan ous operation of said fist and se nd input means. The invention as claimed in claim 3 wherein said invention as clai --=d in claim 3 wherein said chamber said fluid amp er includes a wall located unity to one of the 'et produced streams so that le of looking on said wall in its movement toward one of said outputs.

6. A fluid logic element con "ng a first means for issuing a first fluid stream, a second means for issuing id st "in, a plurality of output means, means for direc. .g said first stream to a first of said OU"JU' means in the absence or a from said 5 nd means for directing said second stream to an outpu means the abse e of a stream from said first r .s, and means for U. a stream formed by the confluence of said first and second streams to an output means diflerent from said first of said output means.

7. The combination in accordance with claim 6 wherehere is provided three output means and wherein said cond stream is directed to a second output means and said combined and second streams are directed to a third output means.

8. The combination in a cordance with claim 6 wherein there are provided two output means, said second str 1 1 stream being divided to the said first of said output means.

9. The combination in accordance with claim 6 wherein said means for directing said first stream comprises aligning said first output means with said stream.

10. The combination in accordance with claim 6 wherein said means for directing said first stream comprises a wall extending from adjacent said first means for issuing said first stream toward said first output means, said wall having a surface closely adjacent the stream issued by said first means.

11. The combination in accordance with claim 6 comprising a third means for issuing a third stream and means for directing said third stream to the same output means as said first stream.

12. The combination in accordance with claim 6 comprising a third means for issuing a third stream and means 12 for directing said third stream to the same output means as said second stream.

13. The combination in accordance with claim 12 further comprising means for directing said first stream to said output means different from said first output means in the presence of said second and said third stream and either one of said second and third streams.

References Cited in the file 'of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Magnuson June 9, 1959 Hort-on Mar. 13, 1962 OTHER REFERENCES 

1. A FLUID LOGIC COMPONENT FOR PERFORMING AN AND OR NOT FUNCTION COMPRISING, A PAIR OF NOZZLES ADAPTED TO ISSUE FLUID INPUT SIGNALS AS FLUID STREAMS OR THE LIKE, A PAIR OF TUBES POSITIONED TO RECEIVE FLUID FROM SAID NOZZLES, EACH OF SAID NOZZLES BEING POSITIONED FOR DEFLECTING THE STREAMS OF FLUID FROM THE OTHER NOZZLES OF SAID PAIR, ONE TUBE OF SAID PAIR BEING POSITIONED TO RECEIVE THE FLUID STREAM FROM ONE NOZZLE OF SAID PAIR IN THE ABSENCE OF A DEFLECTING FLUID STREAM FROM THE OTHER NOZZLE, THE OTHER TUBE BEING POSITIONED TO RECEIVE THE FLUID STREAM WHICH RESULTS FROM DEFLECTION OF FLUID STREAMS ISSUING FROM BOTH NOZZLES, AND MEANS PREVENTING FLUID FROM SAID OTHER NOZZLE FROM ENTERING SAID OTHER TUBE OF SAID PAIR IN THE ABSENCE OF A DEFLECTING FLUID STREAM FROM SAID ONE NOZZLE.
 6. A FLUID LOGIC ELEMENT COMPRISING A FIRST MEANS FOR ISSUING A FIRST FLUID STREAM, A SECOND MEANS FOR ISSUING A SECOND FLUID STREAM, A PLURALITY OF OUTPUT MEANS, MEANS FOR DIRECTING SAID FIRST STREAM TO A FIRST OF SAID OUTPUT MEANS IN THE ABSENCE OF A STREAM FROM SAID SECOND MEANS, MEANS FOR DIRECTING SAID SECOND STREAM TO AN OUTPUT MEANS IN THE ABSENCE OF A STREAM FROM SAID FIRST MEANS, AND MEANS FOR DIRECTING A STREAM FORMED BY THE CONFLUENCE OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND STREAMS TO AN OUTPUT MEANS DIFFERENT FROM SAID FIRST OF SAID OUTPUT MEANS 